Graham Clayton is a sculptural artist. Much of his work his highly suggestive of mythology; qualities of both an animal and human nature are entwined into one, creatures and forms evolved from a sense of folklore and the mysterious arts of the past.
His flair for the dramatic arts is manifest in his work, his extraordinary sets and props for a Theatre production of "The Mask of the Red Death" in London 1998 and figure sculptures from that period are evident of his creative interest and fascination with Alchemy, fusion of forms and hybrid states.
Graham's work exudes a sense of history, dramatic tension and poignancy.
A breathtaking example of this characteristic is a "Bag": some 6ft of so of beads, baubles and ephemera trailing from a clasp; surely the handbag of some fabulous giant creature, a net, cast wide to capture our imagination.
"Bag" has all of the vivid dream-like qualities that much of his sculpture possesses.
Earlier pieces depicting ethereal figures of an androgynous nature were formed from a merger of iconic imagery and childhood paraphernalia. These arresting images were elusive, resisting any stereotypical interpretation or analysis; being both evocative of sea-life creatures, South Pacific Island imagery and tribal magic, Their strong mnemonic qualities aroused and confused the senses..
Graham Clayton has a First Class Honours B.A. in Ceramics. His background is in Commercial Art and Design and Presentation Concepts.
His work is mainly sculptural and conceptual, communicating a sense of the artist's own personal interpretation of the esoteric and the essence of transformation. He works in mediums of Clay, Bronze Cast and Ironwork. Works are created for giftware, galleries and public spaces, landscape settings and as fine art paintings and sculpture,
Exhibitions of his art have been shown throughout London and South England, Scotland and Ireland.
"FRAGMENT" claimed the Silver Medal at HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW 2004 -
captivating television audiences everywhere.
Graham Clayton lives and works in South London and France.
